CVE-2016-3351 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and Microsoft Edge allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted web site, aka "Microsoft Browser Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and Microsoft Edge browsers contain a critical information disclosure vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access sensitive system information through carefully crafted web pages. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure flaws that can compromise user privacy and system security. The flaw exists in how these browsers handle certain web content and memory management operations, creating opportunities for attackers to extract confidential data from the target systems.
This vulnerability represents a classic case of improper access control and memory handling within browser components. The technical implementation allows malicious websites to leverage specific browser behaviors to read memory contents that should remain protected from user-space applications. Attackers can craft web pages that trigger memory access patterns which reveal information about the browser's internal state, system memory layout, or other sensitive data structures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple browser versions and operating systems, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on Microsoft browsers for web browsing activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gather enough information to bypass security mechanisms, understand browser internals, or even identify other vulnerabilities within the system. The disclosure of memory addresses, browser component states, or system information provides attackers with valuable intelligence for crafting subsequent attacks. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree framework where information disclosure serves as a prerequisite for privilege escalation or further exploitation attempts.
The security implications of this vulnerability are significant from both a compliance and risk management perspective. Organizations using affected browsers face potential data breaches and privacy violations when users encounter malicious websites. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the browser's security model, specifically in how it handles memory access and data isolation between different web content contexts. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-200, which covers "Information Exposure," and potentially CWE-203, "Information Exposure Through Discrepancy." The flaw demonstrates inadequate input validation and memory access control mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized data access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches, which address the underlying memory handling issues. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies to limit potential damage. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help detect and block malicious websites that attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted websites and maintaining current browser versions. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual memory access patterns or information disclosure attempts within network traffic. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments of browser configurations and adherence to security baselines established by organizations like NIST or CIS.